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For many female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi taking the helm as the nation's first ever female prime minister is impactful and formative.

It means a patriarchal society and a government structure that has historically been controlled by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the appearances suggest a progressive moment, certain females don't see her as an champion of progress.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the news,” Ayda Ogura says.

People are saying, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in Japanese history and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and equal rights in Japan’.

“I think that's a very naive interpretation.”

Conversely, the young woman points to her “political beliefs and what she stands for,” adding: “She perpetuates the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Iron Lady” of her nation.

Similar to Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch right-wing politician.

Analysts note her ascension is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to attract the more conservative base which had recently gravitated towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has consistently voted against laws that would permit spouses to have different last names, blocking many females from keeping their birth surnames.

She's also against females being in eligible for the throne in the royal household.

However, she did soften some of her messaging during her campaign – stating she favours giving financial benefits to companies that provide childcare facilities to their staff and mentioned possible deductions for families spending on child-rearing.

But she has historically supported the notion of a more traditional role for women in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is consistent with her nation's less than impressive performance on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Context

Women in Japan are among the most highly educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into traditional roles.

According to the latest gender gap index by the World Economic Forum, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 nations, with women's presence in the political arena notably low.

Top roles have traditionally been dominated by males and Japan has faced difficulties to increase the number of female lawmakers and business leaders.

The globally fourth biggest economic power ranks last among the Group of Seven nations when it comes to the share of women in its legislative body. In detail, women make up about 15.7% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the seven major economies.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to female healthcare: only this week was it revealed that the “morning after” pill – a form of emergency contraception sold over the counter in more than 90 countries – had finally been approved for over the counter use in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Historic Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's rise to power as a critical juncture that could change how females perceive their opportunities.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi assuming the role of prime minister, with a broader impact on the public,” a former mayor – who became the nation's most youthful woman mayor in 2012 – informed Japan's Kyodo news agency.

She contended Japan electing a woman prime minister will “lower mental obstacles” for females of all ages, enabling them to believe it is normal to “excel” as leaders in companies and the community, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

However a 20-year-old notes that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it took her more than 30 years to get to that position.

“Additionally, she is not really going against the grain. She expresses the identical views as the male politicians.”

Ms Hill-Uekawa adds that she shouldn't be put on a pedestal just due to the fact she is a female.

“We need to ensure we're talking about her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her equally as everyone else.”

Political Background and Associations

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has led people to label her as a supporter of the male-dominated system.

It's also apparent by who her supporters within the LDP have were.

She was mentored of the deceased former hawkish prime minister a previous leader, and was endorsed in the leadership election by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the head of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

His faction's support for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in uniting the party's right wing in her favor.

“I believe that it is difficult for women to somewhat relate to her success because it furthers this notion that we have to be compliant with the status quo,” young adult a citizen remarks.

Ms Ogura concurs, saying that with her as a figurehead for females in government, “people are likely to anticipate the same from women as too”.

“They're going to expect women to be compliant, not oppose the ideals that they have, and it might make our role more difficult.”

Upcoming Obstacles and Expectations

Making history, though, was only the initial of the difficulties Takaichi will face – including tackling a sluggish economy and inflation and winning back the trust of a discontented and angry voting public, as well as hosting the US leader within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that few anticipate gender equality issues to be a top priority on her agenda.